Classic Persian Restaurant — Restaurant in Bradford

This is one of those places that was once a hidden little gem (when they first opened) that has now become one of those ‘open secrets’ amongst anybody within a 10 mile radius! If you’re not one of those people that lives in Bradford and knows all about this place then you’ve got to ask yourself what you’ve been doing for the last couple of years!

Seriously, I do not work for the place (and live 35 miles away) but just passing by (even in a car) causes me to get hungry because the incredible smells wafting out from the kitchen here is like a magic potion from some kind of Disney movie. In truth, because my mum lives just down the street from here I get to experience it too often - I say too often because it causes real problems for me every time I visit her. In fact, if she wasn’t such a technophobe she would be able to read this review and realise that I don’t visit her so often because she is a wonderful mother/woman/ human being, but actually because she lives close to some of the best takeout restaurants you can visit this side of New York. My housemate (we live 35 miles away) always asks me to get a curry for him from the International which is just about half a mile away. But when I arrive at her house the magic potion that they put through their ventilation system (also known as honest cooking) causes a real dichotomy within my hungry little head.

I have often given into both urges and taken back to South Yorkshire portions from both this place and the international restaurant down the road for my housemate. Invariably we end up with enough food for about a week which suits us fine because most of the takeaways within about 4 or 5 miles of us are pretty basic and run of the mill to say the least. Anyway, I’m not going to slag off the local eateries much more than say every time I return with food packages, said housemate and I spend about 20 minutes talking about how much better the food is. So there you have it; it’s worth driving more than 30 miles out of your way to pick up a few takeaways if you’re going to be getting them from this place or the one mentioned in my review. And yes, I am aware that there are lots of great takeaway is within that 35 mile radius, but having not eaten at those and experienced it I can’t give you anything other than a shrug of my shoulders. Make an effort and type in a great review for the ones that you know of - and we can all share little secrets like I have done for this...

One of the very few truly exceptional authentic Persian cuisine restaurants.

Let's start of with the location, it is located just outside the city centre, within walking distance. There is a bus stop nearby, nevertheless I did not much parking space. If you are going to walk it from the city centre please note it should take 10-15 minutes bearing in mind that you would be walking up a hill, therefore it is easier and quicker to walk it back to the city centre down the hill.

Now, the restaurant itself, plenty of tables (although there wasn't much social distancing) and it appears you cannot sit upstairs if downstairs isn't full yet.

The menu is extremely diverse, with plenty of starters, skewers, other main dishes, plenty of drinks and some desserts. I had the absolutely fantastic lamb shank with saffron basmati rice. It was absolutely delicious and did not take long to prepare. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was complemented with a yogurt drink called Doogh (better known as ayran) and we also ordered a side of chips. This alone filled us up fully. We have no complaints about the food.

After that we had dessert, the options were limited to just lemon cheesecake cake, chocolate fudge cake and baklava (and possibly also ice cream). Nevertheless this was also incredible. We enjoyed dessert with traditional Persian saffron tea and mint tea. This comes in a tea pot constantly being heated by a candle. As usual, it was delicious.

The staff were extremely nice and accommodating, the toilets were clean and a fully accessible disabled toilet is provided/ Available. Overall I have no complaints, would definitely go again and would definitely recommend to friends.

I have added some photos of our meal of the starters we had (cheese rolls and spicy sujuk sausage, with the doogh/ayran...

ONE ⭐ IS TOO MUCH RATING!!!

I've been here before and the service was exceptional unfortunately today was very poor service.

One young waiter was on his phone most of the time. Nobody asked us if our food was ok and the girl that works there with short black thin hair up to her shoulders needs to tie her hair up, it's health and safety.

You pay that much for food you would expect a professional service. Yet alone nobody smiles. We know you guys need a break but try crack a little smile, you won't hurt nobody, but you will drive your customers away.

Small things, make a huge difference.

As goes for your chicken it needs more flavour was abit too dry I had to squeeze a lemon wedge on top to soften the meat. I've never eaten chicken so dry. Owner tried teaching me how to cook chicken, I think you he needs to learn Back To Basics. The chicken was as dry as Sand paper.

I must say the nan texture is gorgeous and really soft. It's not filling it's just right as a starter portion.

But honestly your staff need to wake up a little bit because it's not nice coming to a restaurant and not getting no service you expect. I may have as well eaten at home and served myself. I live in London and I came up to visit family.

If the customers are paying your wages go and ask if they're ok, no good standing around or watching your phone's. We said to pay half each and he charged me full price then said is everything ok, no you guys need a Double shot of espresso.

The fafel portion size is quite small. Each to their own.

👉🏽👉🏽 Don't forget to SMILE, your...